This meticulously researched & engrossing book shares the story of Death Row inmate Edgar Smith. Smith’s story veers off in a different direction than most due to the support—& celebrity—he gained from friendships w/Nat’l Review creator & conservative thinker William Buckley & the literary establishment (including a sexually charged penpal relationship with his book editor, Sophie Wilkins). Yes. He published a best-selling book about his crime (& who he said really did it), while on Death Row. Weinman shows how this reality assisted in the release of Smith, even after his conviction.

Weinman's heavy use of research--and larger concepts derived from that research--set this book apart from most true-crime tales. There's the way-too-frequent (and infuriating) analysis about the danger to women from violent, angry men. Yet, through this story readers get to see Smith's thoughts about women from his writing. He portrays his first victim as a woman (she was 15!) who taunted men with provocative, tight clothes and the reputation of being loose with her sexual morals. In essence, Weinman shows how Smith blamed Victoria for his behavior, not himself (sadly, again, way too common). To think so many women (including Sophie Wilkins) willingly fell under his spell is both infuriating and sad.

The unusual aspects of this, at its core, too-familiar tale, make this true-crime book a true original. Smith’s saga is especially galling considering how he was able to manipulate so many people (oh, Sophie, really?!) to get his conviction overturned—giving him the opportunity to try & kill again. If you like true-crime books but are looking for one that stands apart from the rest, this is it.